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Hello everyone.
We just picked up a nice little '82 320. It needs some work but it is virtually rust free and runs good. We keep popping the fuse for "dashlights, right rear tail,and marker lights."
At first we thought it was the emergency flasher switch, we replaced that. The we replaced the headlight switch, not that even though it was cooked. We ripped out all the former owners stereo equipment that was just spliced to anything, no luck.
I have checked all the connections I can ,sprayed contact cleaner on the fuse box, checked for water inside the fuse box.
I can replace the fuse, sometimes it works for a few minutes, sometimes a few seconds. I put a 25 amp in, ran it for a half an hour and no problem.The fuse was not even warm.
I don't like to do that as a fix. Any thoughts ? Someone suggested a voltage regulator but I have my doubts

have check with an BMW shop only if they can help you out,do you have any books on repairs for the e21 aswell and there is an e21 forum oly site too just can't remember what they call it??did you all the grounds as well??.......old wires are not to good to with........

Well. It seems the backup lights,fuel,and temp are all on the same fuse. Removed the console, shifted the wires for the back lights from the top of the trans and bingo. If anyone runs into this have a look at the reverse switch.
3 days so far with no problems.